Rust-Preventing Base Support for Metal Containers

ABSTRACT

Described is a rust-preventing support for a metal can having a base with a flat upper surface and a flange extending vertically from the perimeter of the base. The base is able to be secured around the bottom of a metal can such that the inner surface of the flange fits tightly around the outer surface of the metal can. In this way, the rust-preventing support prevents exposure of the bottom of the metal can to liquid pooled on a surface. The base further includes a holding structure that can be removably attached to a tube disposed on the outer surface of the flange. The holding structure has an elongated post with a loop at an upper end that is suited for storage of a razor or similar item therein. Overall, the present invention provides a device that prevents a metal can from developing rust on its bottom surface.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/900,649 filed on Nov. 6, 2013, entitled “Rust Ring Eliminator.” The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a rust-preventing support for use with metal containers. More specifically, the present invention relates to a rust-preventing support comprising a base having a flange about its perimeter adapted to secure around an outer surface of the bottom of a metal container. The rust-preventing support may further have a means for receiving a holding structure adapted to hold a razor.

Many common consumer products are provided in metal cans or containers. For example, consumer products such as shaving cream, air fresheners, hairspray, cooking spray, and various other products for use in the kitchen, bathroom, or otherwise are provided in metal cans. Metal cans develop rust and commonly leave ring-shaped rust stains on a table, countertop, or other surface when the metal cans are used in kitchens or bathrooms where the cans are exposed to pools of standing water.

Rust stains can be difficult to remove and require a user to expend time and effort in order to remove the rust stain. Further, users must clean the bottom surfaces of the metal cans so that the can does not continue to leave rust stains on a surface. Cleaning supplies used to remove rust stains may be expensive and may expose the user to potentially harmful chemicals. Moreover, cleaning supplies simply treat the rust stain and do not prevent the metal can from developing rust or from creating rust stains. Thus, a device that treats the source of the problem by inhibiting formation of rust on the metal can is desired.

The present invention provides a rust-preventing support comprising a base having an upper surface and a perimeter. The upper surface is flat and is adapted to support a metal can placed thereon. A flange extends vertically from the perimeter of the base and is adapted to secure the outer surface of a metal can disposed on the base. In some embodiments of the present invention, a tube having an opening on its upper end is attached to an outer surface of the flange. The tube is adapted to receive a holding structure comprising an elongated post having a loop on its upper end. The holding structure can be removably secured within the tube and can be used to hold a razor or similar object therein.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

Devices have been disclosed in the prior art that relate to rust-preventing supports. These include devices that have been patented and published in patent application publications. These devices generally relate to rust-preventing supports comprising rings for securement to the bottom of a metal can or container. The following is a list of devices deemed most relevant to the present disclosure, which are herein described for the purposes of highlighting and differentiating the unique aspects of the present invention, and further highlighting the drawbacks existing in the prior art.

One such device is disclosed by U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0029524 to Paine entitled “Rust Prevention Ring” which discloses a ring composed of a rust-proof material such as rubber that is adapted to secure to the bottom of a metal can. The ring comprises a groove in the upper surface that is adapted to receive the bottom rim of a can. The ring secures to the can by friction between the engaging surfaces. The ring holds the can above a counter or other surface so that the can is not exposed to standing water which could cause the can to rust. The ring further comprises drainage channels that allow water to escape the groove in the ring. Paine does not disclose a support comprising a base having a flat upper surface, and does not disclose a flange disposed around the perimeter of the base for securement to a can or other metal container. Instead, Paine discloses securing a ring to a metal can by means of a groove disposed on the ring that is adapted to receive the bottom of a can.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,299,161 to Collias entitled “Ring and Snap-On Ring for Preventing Buckle of Beer Cans” discloses a ring that can be attached to the upper surface of a beer can to prevent the upper surface from deforming during heat treatment. The ring has a central aperture and an outer flange having a wide base portion and a narrow top portion. The ring removably secures to the top of a beer can and comprises a groove disposed in the flange that is adapted to receive the beer can. Thus, Collias does not disclose a support that can be secured to the bottom of a metal can to prevent it from rusting. Instead, Collias discloses a ring for securement to the top of a can to prevent deformation of the can during heat treatment.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,285,996 to Waller entitled “Lower Rim Guard for Metal Cans” discloses a device for securing to the bottom of a metal can to prevent the metal can from creating rust stains on a surface. The device comprises a channel member having a first and second sidewall portion and a bottom wall connecting the sidewalls. The rim on the bottom of a can is secured within the channel such that the inner face of the rim and the outer face of the rim are covered by the device. Waller does not disclose a device having a base with a flat upper surface, and does not disclose a base having a flange about the perimeter of the base for securing a can thereon. In contrast, Waller discloses a channel having a groove between a first and second sidewall for receiving the rim of a can.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,584,345 to Joy entitled “Safety Ring for Bottom of Fire Extinguisher” discloses a ring having a U-shaped cross section that is adapted to secure to the bottom of a fire extinguisher. The ring may comprise one or more holes to allow drainage of fluids from the ring. Further, the ring may comprise a means for holding a hose of the fire extinguisher which may include a clip spaced from the bottom of the extinguisher by an extending portion. Thus, Joy discloses a ring having a U-shaped cross section, and Joy does not disclose a base that secures about the exterior surface of a metal can by means of vertically extending flange.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,648,525 to Henderson entitled “Fold-Up Insulated Beverage Container Holder with a Stabilizing Support Base” discloses a container for holding a beverage comprising a cylindrical body region having an open upper area with a bottom portion attached to the bottom of the cylindrical body region. The bottom portion has a disk or circular shape and is adapted to fold upwards and toward the body region so as to serve as the bottom surface of the beverage holding container. Henderson fails to disclose a support that prevents the bottom of a metal can from rusting. Henderson also does not disclose a base having a vertical flange about the perimeter. Instead, Henderson discloses a beverage container having a foldable bottom portion.

Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 6,464,100 to Canfield entitled “Container Insulator” discloses a cover for a container comprising a cylindrical sidewall and a bottom surface. The cylindrical sidewall has end sections that overlap around a container. The bottom portion may have a number of tabs extending from an annular portion towards the axis of the cylinder formed by the sidewall members. Thus, Canfield does not disclose a device for securing to the bottom of a container, and instead discloses a cover that is wrapped around a container so as to form a cylindrical insulating structure.

These prior art devices have several known drawbacks. Several devices in the prior art secure to the bottom of cans by means of a U-shaped channel or groove disposed on the support device. However, users may find it difficult to carefully secure the rim of the can within the groove of the support device. Further, several devices in the art disclose a ring-shaped support device having a central opening. The central opening may allow the bottom of the can to contact water or other liquid pooled on a countertop or other surface. Thus, a device that is easy to secure to the bottom of a container and that entirely covers the bottom of the container is desired.

In light of the devices described in the prior art, it is submitted that the present invention substantially diverges in design elements from the prior art and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to existing rust-preventing support devices. In this regard the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of rust-preventing supports now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new rust-preventing support wherein the same can be utilized for providing convenience for the user when storing metal cans and preventing the bottoms thereof from developing rust.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved rust-preventing support device that has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a rust-preventing support device that is easily secured to and removed from metal cans.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a rust-preventing support device that prevents exposure of the bottom of a metal can to water or other corrosion inducing substances.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a rust-preventing support device having a removable attachment used for securing or storing razors or other items thereon.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a rust-preventing support device that may be readily fabricated from materials that permit relative economy and are commensurate with durability.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the rust-preventing support of the present invention and removable holding structure.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the rust-preventing support and removable holding structure of the present invention as secured to a bottle and as used to hold a razor thereon.

FIG. 3 shows a top view of the base of the present invention having a tube secured thereto.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the rust-preventing support. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for preventing metal cans from developing rust on the bottoms thereof. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view of the rust-preventing support of the present invention and the removable holding structure. The rust-preventing support device comprises a base 11 having an upper surface 12 and a vertically extending flange 13 about the perimeter of the base 11. The upper surface 12 is substantially flat such that a metal can 16 or similar object can be placed thereon. In operation, the bottom 17 of the metal can 16 is placed on the upper surface 12 of the base 11 and the flange 13 secures around the perimeter of the metal can 16. The base 11 is composed of a flexible, stretchable material such that the flange 13 securely holds the metal can 16 in position on the base 11. The base and flange of the present invention may be composed of any suitable flexible material, including but not limited to, rubber or silicone. Further, the base and flange are composed of a material that is corrosion-resistant such that the base and flange do not develop rust. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the base is circular or disk shaped so that the base has the same shape as the cross section of a metal can.

The base 11 further comprises a tube 14 secured to an outer surface of the flange 13. The tube 14 can be secured to the flange 13 by any suitable means such as by use of epoxy or other adhesives. Alternatively, the tube 14 may be integrally formed with the base 11. The tube 14 has an opening 15 at its upper end so that it is adapted to removably secure a holding structure therein. A holding structure 18 is provided that comprises an elongated post 19 having a first end 22 opposite a second end 23. The first end 22 of the elongated post 19 is adapted to engage with the opening 15 of the tube 14 so that the holding structure 18 can be removably secured to the base 11. A loop 20 having an opening 21 therethrough is attached at the second end 23 of the elongated post 19. The loop 20 may be attached to the elongated post 19 by means of an adhesive, such as epoxy, or the loop 20 may be integrally formed with said elongated post 19. In some embodiments of the present invention, the holding structure 18 is composed of the same material as the base 11. The holding structure 18 is composed of a material that enables the holding structure 18 to support the weight of a razor or similar object therein, such that the holding structure does not bend or collapse when an object is disposed thereon. Further, the holding structure 18 must be composed of a corrosion-resistant material so that the holding structure does not develop rust thereon.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a perspective view of the rust-preventing support of the present invention as secured to a metal can and as used to hold a razor thereon. The metal can 16 fits snugly within the base 11 and is held in place thereon by the flange 13. The base 11 serves as a barrier to shield the metal can from liquids and also serves to elevate the metal can 16 off of the surface of a counter or tabletop. In this way, any water or other liquid spilled on a tabletop is prevented from contacting the bottom of the metal can. Further, the base is composed of a material that prevents water or liquid from passing therethrough such that the liquid is unable to contact the base of the container. The base is secured tightly to the metal can such that the base will remain attached to the metal can when the metal can is moved from one location to another.

The holding structure is removably secured within the tube 14 and extends vertically therefrom. A user can simply press the elongated post 19 into the tube 14 to secure the elongated post 19 in place therein. A razor 24 is shown as being disposed within the loop 20 such that it is held in place therein. The opening 21 is sized to allow the handle of the razor 24 to pass therethrough, but is sufficiently narrow that the head of the razor is prevented from passing therethrough. In this way, a user is able to secure the rust-preventing support to a can of shaving cream to prevent the can from developing rust thereon, and can use the holding structure to hold a razor. The holding structure holds the razor 24 in an elevated, vertical position such that the razor is not in contact with standing water on the surface of a counter or sink. The blades of a razor, similar to the bottom of a metal container, can develop rust rendering the blades unusable if the razor is left in a wet area, such as the area adjacent to a sink.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a top view of the base of the present invention having a tube 14 secured thereto. The base 11 comprises a circular or disk shape so that the base 11 is shaped similarly to the cross section of a metal can. The base protects the bottom of the can from exposure to any water or liquid on a countertop or other surface. The flange 13 extends from the perimeter of the base 11 and is elevated above the upper surface 12 of the base. The inner surface of the flange 13 engages with the outer surface of a metal container. The base is flexible and is stretched around the metal container such that the flange 13 can be tightly secured to the outer surface of the metal container. Thus, no adhesive or other fastener is required in order to secure the metal container to the base 11.

In some embodiments of the rust-preventing support of the present invention, a tube 14 is attached to an outer surface of the flange 13 and has an opening 15 at an upper end of the tube 14. The opening may extend entirely through the tube, or may only extend partially through the tube. The tube 14 and the opening therein 15 are arranged vertically such that an elongated post of a holding structure may be arranged vertically therein in an upright position. The holding structure is sized so as to fit within the opening of the tube, and is held therein without the need for additional fasteners.

Many consumer products are provided in metal cans or containers that are susceptible to developing rust when exposed to standing water or other liquids. This is particularly problematic for metal cans that are commonly used near water or that are used in wet areas, such as shaving cream cans. As the bottom of the can rusts, the metal can may leave rust stains on a counter or other surface. The consumer must then spend time trying to remove the stains, and consumers often purchase expensive and hazardous chemical cleaning supplies for use in removing the rust stains.

The present invention provides a rust-preventing support comprising a base having a flat upper surface and a perimeter. The base is substantially circular or disk shaped so that it is shaped similarly to the bottom of a metal can. The base comprises a vertically extending flange disposed on the perimeter of the base that is adapted to secure the outer surface of a metal can. Thus, a user may place a can on the upper surface of the base, and may secure the can in place thereon by engaging the flange with the outer surface of the can. The base and flange are composed of a water-impermeable, non-absorbent material such as rubber or silicone so that a can positioned on the support device is protected from water pooled on a surface.

It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. 

I claim:
 1. A rust-preventing device, comprising: a base having an upper surface and a perimeter, wherein said upper surface is flat; a flange extending vertically from said upper surface about said perimeter of said base; wherein said flange has an inner surface and an outer surface; and wherein said inner surface of said flange is adapted to be secured around an outer perimeter of a metal container disposed on said upper surface of said base.
 2. The rust-preventing device of claim 1, further comprising: a tube attached to an outer surface of said flange and having an opening at an upper end of said tube.
 3. The rust-preventing device of claim 2, further comprising: a holding structure comprising an elongated post having a first end opposite a second end; wherein said first end is adapted to engage with said opening of said tube; wherein a loop is attached to said second end of said elongated post.
 4. The rust-preventing device of claim 3, wherein said loop is adapted to hold a razor therein.
 5. The rust-preventing device of claim 1, wherein said base is composed of a flexible material.
 6. The rust-preventing device of claim 1, wherein said base is composed of silicone.
 7. The rust-preventing device of claim 1, wherein said base is composed of rubber.
 8. The rust-preventing device of claim 1, wherein said base is composed of a water-impermeable material.
 9. The rust-preventing device of claim 1, wherein said base is substantially circular.
 10. The rust-preventing device of claim 3, wherein said holding structure is composed of a corrosion-resistant material.
 11. The rust-preventing device of claim 2, wherein said tube is integrally formed with said flange. 